NEC Nijmegen Snap Winless Streak with Convincing Victory

NEC Nijmegen ended their winless streak with a dominant 4-1 victory over Fortuna Sittard, featuring several stunning goals and a strong team performance.

NEC Nijmegen secured a convincing 4-1 victory over Fortuna Sittard in an entertaining match that showcased several beautiful goals. The first half saw limited scoring opportunities, but Japanese striker Koki Ogawa came close to opening the scoring with an innovative backheel attempt that narrowly missed the far post.

The deadlock was eventually broken by NEC's Sami Ouaissa, who scored a stunning goal from considerable distance. Ouaissa expertly curled a free kick from the edge of the box into the net, giving NEC the lead. However, Fortuna Sittard quickly responded, with Thierry Rosier capitalizing on a loose ball and equalizing just five minutes after Ouaissa's opener.

NEC Nijmegen regained their momentum after the break, creating several scoring opportunities through players like Ouaissa, Brayann Pereira, and Vito van Crooij. The latter ultimately scored the go-ahead goal, albeit in unusual circumstances, as his corner kick landed directly in the goal. Fortuna Sittard protested, claiming a foul on goalkeeper Luuk Koopmans, but referee Marc Nagtegaal dismissed their appeals, allowing NEC to maintain their lead.

NEC Nijmegen further solidified their lead just two minutes after Vito van Crooij's goal, as Indonesian international Calvin Verdonk scored their third goal. Verdonk, playing at left-back, unleashed a powerful shot that left Fortuna goalkeeper Luuk Koopmans with no chance, effectively sealing the victory for NEC.

The match was put beyond doubt ten minutes before full-time, as Thomas Ouwejan capitalized on a loose ball and slotted it past Koopmans. This goal was the culmination of a sequence that saw Bryan Linssen denied by the Fortuna goalkeeper, only for Ouwejan to pounce on the rebound and secure NEC's fourth goal. This victory marked NEC's first win since early November, providing a timely boost as they navigate a congested league table.